Sterilization by gamma irradiation

Abstract

A method of treating a reconstituted biopolymeric implant which includes the steps of exposing the implant to an aqueous environment so that a final water content of the implant ranges from 5% by weight to a maximal water absorption capacity; and sealing the hydrated implant in a gamma ray-penetrable but bacteria- or virus-impenetrable material. Also disclosed is an implant preparation obtained by the above method.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of treating a reconstituted biopolymeric implant, which method comprises: exposing the implant to an aqueous environment so that a final water content of the implant ranges from 5% by weight to a maximal water absorption capacity; and   sealing the hydrated implant in a gamma ray-penetrable but bacteria- or virus-impenetrable material.   
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1, wherein the implant is a polysaccharide-based implant. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 1, wherein the implant is a protein-based implant. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 1, wherein the implant is a collagen-based implant. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim 1, wherein said final water content ranges from 15% by weight to a maximal water absorption capacity. 
     
     
       6. The method of claim 5, wherein the implant is a polysaccharide-based implant. 
     
     
       7. The method of claim 5, wherein the implant is a protein-based implant. 
     
     
       8. The method of claim 5, wherein the implant is a collagen-based implant. 
     
     
       9. The method of claim 5, wherein said final water content ranges from 25% by weight to a maximal water absorption capacity. 
     
     
       10. The method of claim 9, wherein the implant is a polysaccharide-based implant. 
     
     
       11. The method of claim 9, wherein the implant is a protein-based implant. 
     
     
       12. The method of claim 9, wherein the implant is a collagen-based implant. 
     
     
       13. The method of claim 9, wherein said final water content ranges from 40% by weight to a maximal water absorption capacity. 
     
     
       14. The method of claim 13, wherein the implant is a polysaccharide-based implant. 
     
     
       15. The method of claim 13, wherein the implant is a protein-based implant. 
     
     
       16. The method of claim 13, wherein the implant is a collagen-based implant.